Kalari Art

Yuma/Yaama! 

My name is LaToya and I’m a proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri woman - my grandmother is Ngunnawal from Yass, and my grandfather is Wiradjuri from Cowra, both small country towns Central West NSW. I was born on Wiradjuri Country in Cowra, grew up on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra and I now reside on beautiful Dharawal Country in Wollongong NSW; my connections extend across Wiradjuri, Ngunnawal and Dharawal Countries.

I began painting in 2017, following my diagnosis with Epilepsy. What started as a therapeutic practice soon became a powerful source of healing, focus, and motivation. Art has helped me stay grounded and calm, while also inspiring me to grow creatively and build my own business.

My work is deeply rooted in culture, storytelling, and connection. Through art, I honour the relationships I hold with my Country, land, and community, and express the respect I carry for our traditions, knowledge, and heritage. Each piece is a reflection of my continuing cultural journey - an exploration of identity, resilience, and belonging. I draw my inspiration from my surroundings, recreating elements of Country and telling stories through symbolic representation. I also draw inspirations from my ancestors who have walked this land before us, and who have managed and maintained this land for tens of thousands of years. 

I specialise in commission and custom paintings/digital designs; as well as art workshops. I also create personalised items such as shoes, handbags, name signs, clocks and platter boards. 

I have painted several commission artworks for organisational Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) designs, and commission artworks for organisational branding/marketing for NAIDOC and other significant Indigenous dates. I have also created 2 designs used as vinyl murals in the Maternity Unit at The Canberra Hospital.